SAGARD-THEODAT, LE GRAND VOYAGE DU PAYS DES HURONS, SITUE EN L'AMERIQUE VERS LA MER DOUCE, 1632

FIRST EDITION, 2 parts in one volume, 8vo (161 x 97mm.), additional engraved title, contemporary vellum, lacking e2-4 (end of preliminaries) and k3-8 (end of index), frontispiece trimmed and slightly worn, a few wormholes (some touching text), a few headlines shaved or cropped, occasional light staining

Sir Jacob Astley of Melton Constable, Norfolk, armorial bookplate

Church 421; Field 1341; Sabin 74883

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE EARLY WORKS ON THE NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS, AND THE FIRST PRINTED HURON VOCABULARY.. His work is rich in its details of Indian manners, beliefs, and language, and is the main authority for the history of the recollect missions from 1615 to their expulsion in 1629" (Church). Sagard-Theodat travelled in 1624 to Quebec as a missionary, where he lived with the Huron Indians for a short while; his mission was curtailed by the difficulties of the environment. He wrote this account of his time there on his return to Paris, including the first printed Huron vocabulary.